Phytochemical profiling and evaluation of antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of Ipomoea alba L.

Plant-based medicine has been one of the oldest therapeutic practices in India and continues to offer valuable treatments for various ailments. Ipomoea alba, commonly known as morning glory, belongs to the family Convolvulaceae and is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America. It is renowned for its large, fragrant, nocturnal blooms, this plant holds significant potential in traditional medicine, particularly for managing gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, and skin conditions. The nutrient content of Ipomoea alba leaves and seeds has demonstrated promising health benefits. This study investigated the phytochemical profile of Ipomoea alba leaves using three solvents: water, methanol, and chloroform. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. HPLC analysis identified the presence of phenols in the aqueous extract, albeit in small quantities. Among the three extracts,the methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, as determined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Antiinflammatory activity, assessed using a proteinase inhibitory assay, demonstrated that the methanolic extract showed the greatest inhibition at lower concentrations compared to the aqueous and chloroform extracts. The results suggest that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ipomoea alba may hold potential applications in cancer prevention and treatment. Future studies will aim to evaluate its cytotoxic effects, thereby exploring its potential role in cancer therapy.